Updated June 3
The weather is turning tropical in South Florida, which means it’s time for The Hukilau to return for an annual infusion of Polynesian Pop paradise. Tikiphiles and fans of retro culture are expected to flock from around the world on June 5-8 for the 23rd time to celebrate all things Tiki.
For the first time since 2019, Hukilau “villagers” will be able to enjoy the beloved Mai-Kai Polynesian restaurant as part of the festivities. The historic landmark has emerged from a multi-year, multimillion-dollar restoration with its charm intact along with modern flourishes. It will be the perfect accompaniment to the Beachcomber Resort & Club, an oceanfront resort in Pompano Beach that will host The Hukilau for a sixth straight year.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Detailed info on the performing bands and Tiki Treasures Bazaar
Working the Mai-Kai back into The Hukilau and the Beachcomber schedule was a challenge, but the final results should please all villagers. A full schedule was just released on the official website, which we’ve broken down below. This update will also include details on the expert seminars and Tiki bar teams who will be serving delicious cocktails all weekend.
Jump to more below: Classes & symposiums | Guest bar teams | The Mai-Kai | Daily schedule
John Mulder and his team at Eeekum Bookum have been busy creating yet another fantastic official event mug for The Hukilau, which once again also pays tribute to the Mai-Kai. Sharing photos in a May 16 post on Facebook, Mulder wrote: “We are deep in the throws of making the mug for the Hukilau. It’s an exciting year with the Mai Kai open again. Can’t wait to see everyone poolside.” Mugs will be available exclusively at the event while supplies last.
The Hukilau 2025 – June 5-8 at the Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach and Mai-Kai restaurant in Oakland Park. Featuring live music, special guests, symposiums and classes, guest cocktail bars, pool parties, Tiki Treasures Bazaar, plus more.
• The Hukilau on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
LIVE UPDATES: Text aloha to 201-534-2100 to get updates during the event.
THE HUKILAU AT A GLANCE
The resort: Most of The Hukilau activities take place at the Beachcomber Resort & Club, a picturesque oceanfront property in northeast Broward County near Fort Lauderdale. It features multiple pools, outdoor meeting spaces, a restaurant and bar, plus lots of Tiki torches and aloha spirit. Hukilau villagers take over the entire hotel for the weekend, giving the event a highly immersive feel.
• Click here for info on booking a room | Previous coverage
Tickets: Four-day weekend passes range from the Aloha Pass ($449 plus fees) to the South Seas Pass ($649 plus fees). The latter includes access to all symposiums and events, the Saturday luau and Sunday brunch, plus transportation to the Mai-Kai and a discount on the Build Your Own Tiki Bar Conference. The one-day Palm Pass ($189 plus fees) is available for Saturday. Click the links below for a more detailed breakdown of each pass.
• Click here to buy passes and tickets online | Previous coverage
Entertainment: Performing bands include The Untamed Youth, The Swingin’ Palms, The Sound Minds, The Hilo Hi-Flyers, Slowey and the Boats, Eva & Kully, The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts, and Skinny Jimmy Stingray. Check out last month’s preview for bios, links and more info on the bands and performers.
Tiki Treasures Bazaar: Dozens of artists and crafts people will sell their wares during Saturday’s events at the Beachcomber. Among these are John Mulder of Eeekum Bookum (Florida), Patrick Vassar of The Green Tiki (Florida), Kymm! Bang (Chicago), Laz in Orlando (Florida), David Outl1n3 (California), Franky Kokosza of Taboo Relics (Florida), Danny “Tiki Diablo” Gallardo (California), Frank “Tiki Rancher” Simotics (Florida), and “Tiki Tony” Murphy (California). Go to TheHukilau.com for an updated list of vendors and
check our previous story for bios, links and photos.
SYMPOSIUM SPOTLIGHTS
Educational opportunities have long been part of The Hukilau experience. Some 20 years ago, the event pioneered the inclusion of “info-tainment” as part of Tiki weekender. These seminars are now a staple at events around the world. Following are just some of the special events on the 2025 schedule for the Beachcomber. [Check the full schedule below]
These presentations will take place at various locations around the resort. Check the website or the check-in desk at the Beachcomber to confirm times and locations. South Seas passholders are guaranteed access, with Aloha passholders filling in all available seats. Standing room is also available at many locations.
Build Your Own Tiki Bar Conference with Rodney Ray (HeadHunter Props and Fabrication), Billy Crud (Crud Tiki), Frank Simotics (Tiki Rancher), Notch Gonzalez (Top Notch Kustoms), Danny Gallardo (Tiki Diablo), plus “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller and Scott “Flounder” Scheidly (Mai-Kai). A two-day pre-event symposium Wednesday and Thursday on how to design and build Tiki bars, featuring an all-star lineup of guest speakers, fabricators and visionaries. The conference includes six daytime sessions. There will be a wrap-up symposium that’s open to all multi-day passholders on Friday.
• Instructor bios | Schedule, class info and tickets
Simple is Simple with Devon “Kitty” Lopez of Bar Tiki (Friday at 10:30 a.m.). Find out how to take a basic sugar syrup to another level by creating something unique. The southwest Florida bar manager will explore new flavor pairings and natural ingredient colors, leading you on a journey to creating cocktails that only you can serve.
Black Velvet Painting with Tiki Tony (Friday at noon). Unleash your inner island artist with acclaimed California artist Tony Murphy in this rare class that will guide you step-by-step in creating your own glowing masterpiece on luxurious black velvet. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or a total newbie, this class is all about good vibes, bold colors, and a whole lot of fun. [Ticket required]
The Evolution of the Mai-Kai with Tim “Swanky” Glazner (Friday at noon). From Charles McKirahan’s visionary 1956 design to George Nakashima’s masterful 1971 revamp, the Mai-Kai has continually transformed – shifting from an open-roofed winter haven for snowbirds to the lush, air-conditioned paradise of the late ’80s. The author of Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant will explore the evolution of this iconic venue, showcasing its defining eras through captivating photos and insightful interviews. Discover stories from key figures including legendary photographer Bunny Yeager, who famously suggested Bettie Page as the first Mystery Girl for the 1958 debut of the Molokai Bar.
The Early Days of the Tiki Resurgence with Spike Marble (Friday at 2:30 p.m.). The host of Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour will explore the early years of the movement that reignited interest in Polynesian Pop culture. From the rediscovery of vintage cocktails and Tiki bars to the passionate individuals and key events that sparked a global resurgence, Mable offers an insider’s perspective on how a niche fascination grew into a vibrant, thriving community.
Total Tiki Immersion: How Reimagined Landscaping Takes the Mai-Kai to the Next Level with Jim “Hurricane” Hayward and Jesse Muller (Saturday at 10:30 a.m.). After a $20 million restoration of the 2.7-acre historic property, guests arriving at the South Florida restaurant now embark on a journey that rivals the experience at many theme park resorts. This enhanced storyline was envisioned with cultural reverence and state-of-the-art techniques by the landscape architects at Perry-Becker Design. Journalist Jim “Hurricane” Hayward of The Atomic Grog blog will be joined by Perry-Becker’s Jesse Muller for a deep dive into how the firm and the many artisans on the ground turned a parking lot into paradise on par with the storied restaurant’s interior. This multimedia presentation includes the history of immersive tropical landscaping at the 68-year-old Tiki temple, plus exclusive renderings, plans, and photos taken before, during and after the massive three-year project.
Don the Beachcomber and the Mob in LA with Tim “Swanky” Glazner (Saturday at 2 p.m.). The mob was involved with Donn Beach (the person) and Don the Beachcomber (the bar), from the very beginning. It started with older brother Hugh Gantt, before Donn arrived in California. The brothers were bootleggers to the stars in Hollywood’s Golden Age. The mob corrupted Los Angeles during Prohibition in a way never seen before. The author of the upcoming book Searching for Don the Beachcomber shares the untold story of the turmoil that haunted the legendary restaurateur all his life.
GUEST BAR TEAMS
Bartenders from more than a dozen establishments and bar consultant groups will be slinging cocktails all weekend, from Thursday’s opening night party through Sunday’s finale at the Mai-Kai. Pop-up bars are prominently featured at the Beachcomber during band performances at the main pool, throughout the evening bungalow parties, and other spots around the property. Among the 15 are nine Hukilau veterans and six newcomers (The Bamboo Room, Dead Isla, Dirty Birds, Permanent Vacation, Sugarcane Lounge, and Swizzle). Two of the returnees – Three Dots and a Dash and Tiki Tatsu-Ya – will be reunited with one of their former colleagues who was part of their past Hukilau contingents. Beverage director Cory Starr will welcome both bar teams to the Mai-Kai for special pop-up appearances as part of the Sunday festivities.
Aku Aku (Orlando) – Established in 2014 and a Hukilau mainstay since 2016, this small and inviting mid-mod Tiki oasis has stood the test of time and continues to deliver quality cocktails and laid-back experience.
The Bamboo Room (Savannah, Ga.) – A throwback to classic Tiki featuring decor by many of today’s top artists and designers, along with reverential cocktails.
Bar Tiki (Clearwater Beach, Fla.) – Led by manager Devon “Kitty” Lopez, the “Bar Tiki Babes” are back for three-peat, mixing up classic cocktails with a twist along with their creative original concoctions.
Bare Bones Tiki (South Florida) – Best known at The Hukilau for their Camp Tiki Wachee activities and bungalow parties over the past several years, this enthusiastic crew has experience bartending, hosting events, and selling signature merchandise.
Cocomama Tiki Room (Cozumel, Mexico) – Returning for a second year in a row, this tropical oasis near the busy cruise port is popular with locals and tourists alike for its drinks served in locally made Tiki mugs.
Dead Isla (Detroit) – Midwesterners may remember the proprietors of this “horrifying tropical pop-up experience” from their former home at Lost River (2018-2023). This new concept rides the new dark wave taking Tiki by storm.
Dirty Birds (Cocoa Beach) – A Polynesian-inspired oasis with strong Florida and Caribbean influences, this new rooftop bar and grill is opening soon following an expansive, expert build-out near the beach on central Florida’s Atlantic coast.
Kahala Koa (Arlington Heights, Ill.) – Back for a second year in a row, this tropical getaway in the Chicago suburbs is tucked inside a pizza restaurant, but the cocktails and experience are total Tiki.
Luau Lads (Jacksonville, Fla.) – A fixture at The Hukilau and other regional events, the bartending duo of Michael Bloom and Kurt Rogers are beloved for their well-crafted cocktails as well as their own extensive line of products, from rums and syrups to mugs and glassware.
Permanent Vacation (Maitland, Fla.) – A highly immersive Tiki speakeasy in central Florida with a dark vibe, interactive decor and creative cocktails. Open since 2023, this small space has quickly become a must-do destination.
Remora (Salt Lake City) – Back for a third go-round at The Hukilau, the bar team behind the Mutiny on Main pop-up are still gearing up for their own brick-and-mortar, but we have a feeling it will be worth the wait.
Sugarcane Lounge (Phoenix) – A new tropical paradise in the desert with a focus on craft food and drinks.
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery (Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale) – An award-winning craft cocktail bar featuring adventurous drinks and a modern speakeasy vibe.
Three Dots and a Dash (Chicago) – Open since 2013, this award-winning tropical bar and speakeasy in the heart of the Windy City is known for its cutting-edge cocktails in a high-volume setting. The immersive lounge and cocktail program, led by beverage director Kevin Beary, continues to push the envelope and set the standard for today’s Tiki scene.
Tiki Tatsu-Ya (Austin, Texas) – This exotic island paradise opened by acclaimed restaurateur Tatsu Aikawa in 2021 is known for its over-the-top decor and unique blend of Hawaiian, Polynesian and Asian influences, both in the food and cocktails. The bar program was developed by Cory Starr, now the beverage director at the Mai-Kai.
THE MAI-KAI
Less than 5 miles southwest of the Beachcomber, the Mai-Kai is located closer to The Hukilau’s host hotel than most of those in the past. And with the rise of rideshare services, getting back and forth should not be nearly as much of a challenge than it was in the old days.
As a bonus, South Seas passholders will receive free bus transportation to and from the Friday night main event. Other passholders with Mai-Kai dinner reservations can purchase a seat on the bus. Everyone attending The Hukilau has the rare opportunity for a giant group seating with friends for the Mai-Kai’s Polynesian Islander Revue, the oldest continually-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States (including Hawaii).
Following is a brief breakdown of the daily activities involving the Mai-Kai. You can also check the full Hukilau schedule below.
Wednesday (June 4): The unofficial pre-party in the Molokai Bar will include live music by musicans from the house band (aka the Mai-Kai Island Serenaders). The event gives arriving villagers the prefect way to meet up and unwind. For many visiting from out-of-town, this will be their first chance to see and experience the restored restaurant in all its glory. The Mai-Kai opens at 4 p.m. and the party should start shortly thereafter. Check out our recent story and videos on what to look for:
• Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration
• Mai-Kai restoration videos on YouTube
Friday (June 6): Join Tim “Swanky” Glazner, one of The Hukilau’s co-founders responsible for bring the event to the Mai-Kai in 2003, for a special symposium at noon at the Beachcomber on The Evolution of the Mai-Kai. [Full info above] In the late afternoon, busses will begin heading to the Mai-Kai for the main event featuring two dinner seatings in the five unique areas that surround the stage in the 300-capacity showroom. The bars open at 4 p.m. for an extended happy hour that runs until 8:30 p.m. The first bus arrives by 4, and at 4:45 there will be an unveiling of a new 6 1/2-foot carving by “Tiki Ray” Kieffer, who will also have new pendants available in the gift shop. Guests for the first show will be seated at 5 p.m. and the second show at 8:30 p.m. Showtimes are 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. When you’re not in the showroom, you’re welcome to enjoy the two expansive bars and outdoor gardens. Eva & Kully, Slowey and the Boats, The Swingin’ Palms and The Intoxicators will perform in the Bora Bora and Molokai bars from 4 p.m. until late. The last bus will return to the Beachcomber at 12:15 a.m. Limited seats are available for the Friday shows. Call (954) 646-8975.
Saturday (June 7): All activities are at the Beachcomber this day, but there are still several Mai-Kai related events. Total Tiki Immersion: How Reimagined Landscaping Takes the Mai-Kai to the Next Level, hosted by Jim “Hurricane” Hayward and Jesse Muller at 10:30 a.m., will reveal hidden details and back stories that will enhance your next visit, whether you’re a newbie or a Mai-Kai veteran. Then at 3 p.m., villagers can meet and greet Mai-Kai “Legends of Dance” as well as the leader of the new ownership group, historic preservationist Bill Fuller.
Sunday (June 8): The Hukilau finale starts when the Mai-Kai opens at noon, with happy hour running until 7 p.m. in both the Molokai and Bora Bora bars. South Florida surf guitarist Skinny Jimmy Stingray is scheduled to perform with his three-piece band throughout the day in the Molokai. The Bora Bora Bar will feature solo sets by Slip Mahoney, the singer/guitarist from Slip and the Spinouts. Special history tours will be hosted by Tim “Swanky” Glazner starting shortly after noon. Other tours may be offered. The Mai-Kai bar team will welcome guest bartenders from Tiki Tatsu-Ya (Austin, Texas) and Three Dots and a Dash (Chicago).
Related: Mai-Kai welcomes Cory Starr as new chief mixologist | Recipe: Tiki Tatsu-Ya’s One Way Ticket
NOTE: Showroom dinner reservations can be made for any date (except Friday) via the Mai-Kai website. You can also walk up and enjoy the bars without a reservation on any day, space permitting.
• Answers to frequently asked questions about the Mai-Kai
UPDATE: The Mai-Kai is still awaiting the arrival of the new Mai-Kai Rum No. 1, the long-awaited blend of Barbados and Jamaican rums that was created by master distiller Don Benn at the West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados. [See recent coverage] The latest word is that it’s enroute to the bottling facility in Florida. An early summer release seems likely. South Seas passholders will unfortunately not be able to receive an engraved bottle, but Hukilau sponsor Flor de Caña is providing the opportunity to purchase an engraved bottle of its rum on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Beachcomber.
NEW: Mai-Kai gears up for return of The Hukilau as enhancements continue
Official sites: MaiKai.com | Facebook | Instagram
Previous coverage
• Live local bands return to Molokai Bar, set stage for The Hukilau
• Best of both worlds at The Hukilau 2025: Beachfront resort with full Mai-Kai experience
• Mai-Kai set to host multiple events during The Hukilau
More: Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening Guide
DAILY SCHEDULE
Here’s a day-by-day overview of the major happenings. Check TheHukilau.com for a full schedule and click the links below to see detailed grids for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. NOTE: All events are subject to change. Text aloha to 201-534-2100 to get updates during the event.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
Build Your Own Tiki Bar Conference
Registration 1-3 p.m. Classes 3-6 p.m.
First session – What’s Your Story?
Second session – Floors, Walls and Ceilings
• Tickets and info
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
MORE: See a grid of the full Thursday schedule | Full Hukilau.com schedule
Build Your Own Tiki Bar Conference
9 a.m.-noon – Sessions 3 and 4: What Bartenders Need and Light and Sound
1-3 p.m. – Sessions 5 and 6: Proper Poly Pieces and Placement and Sourcing and Branding
Aloha and South Seas passes. Registration 3-8 p.m.
• 5-8 p.m. – Tiki Tent Takeover featuring pop-up bars and live music from The Intoxicators.
• 9 p.m.-??? – Bungalow parties featuring pop-up bars and themed events.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
MORE: See a grid of the full Friday schedule | Full Hukilau.com schedule
• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. – Registration for Aloha and South Seas passes.
• 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Simple is Simple with Devon “Kitty” Lopez of Bar Tiki.
• 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid photo ops.
• 11 a.m.-7 p.m. – Pool parties featuring pop-up bars and live music: The Hilo Hi-Flyers, The Untamed Youth, The Intoxicators. [Past coverage of the bands]
• Noon-1 p.m.- The Evolution of the Mai-Kai with Tim “Swanky” Glazner.
• Noon-2 p.m. – Black Velvet Painting with Tiki Tony. [Get tickets]
• 1-2:30 p.m. – Ohana Feud! Round 1.
• 2-3 p.m. – Top Ten Tiki Bar Design Tips from the Build Your Own Tiki Bar Conference.
• 2:30-3:30 p.m. – The Early Days of the Tiki Resurgence with Spike Marble.
• 4 p.m.-midnight – Mai-Kai main event featuring happy hour from 4 to 8:30 p.m., live music in both bars from 4 p.m. to midnight, dinner show seatings at 5 and 8:30 p.m. Performing bands are Eva & Kully, Slowey and the Boats, The Swingin’ Palms, and The Intoxicators.
• 9 p.m.-??? – Bungalow parties featuring pop-up bars and themed events.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
MORE: See a grid of the full Saturday schedule | Full Hukilau.com schedule
• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Registration for Palm, Aloha, and South Seas passes.
• 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Total Tiki Immersion: How Reimagined Landscaping Takes the Mai-Kai to the Next Level with Jim “Hurricane” Hayward and Jesse Muller.
• 11 a.m.-10 p.m. – Pool party featuring pop-up bars and live music: The Intoxicators, The Hilo Hi-Flyers, The Swingin’ Palms, Slowey and The Boats, The Sound Minds, The Untamed Youth, The Disasternauts. [Past coverage of the bands]
• Noon-7 p.m. – Tiki Treasures Bazaar featuring early access for South Seas passes, 1 p.m. for other passes. Recent story on the vendors | Official list
• 2- 3 p.m. – Don the Beachcomber and the Mob in LA with Tim “Swanky” Glazner.
• 3- 4:30 p.m. – Meet and greet Mai-Kai Legends of Dance and managing partner Bill Fuller.
• 4:30-6 p.m. – Ohana Feud! Round 2 and championship.
• 7-10 p.m. – Luau Dinner at the Beachcomber (included in South Seas Pass). Tickets available for Aloha and Palm passholders.
• 9 p.m.-??? – Bungalow parties featuring pop-up bars and themed events.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
• 9 a.m.-noon – Tiki Brunch at the Beachcomber (included in South Seas Pass). Tickets available for Aloha and Palm passholders. Poolside pop-up bars.
• Noon – 7 p.m. – The Hukilau finale featuring happy hour and live music at the Mai-Kai. Skinny Jimmy Stingray in the Molokai Bar and Slip Mahoney in the Bora Bora Bar. Guided tours from noon to 1. Pop-up bars from Three Dots and a Dash and Tiki Tatsu-Ya.
Media coverage
• Tiki culture is alive at The Hukilau (Broken Palate)
• Mai-Kai reignites the flame for The Hukilau 2025 (Resident magazine)
PREVIOUS HUKILAU 2025 PREVIEW
Best of both worlds at The Hukilau 2025: Beachfront resort with full Mai-Kai experience
For the first time, the 23rd Tiki weekender will take place at both the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort and the historic Mai-Kai restaurant, restoring the event to its pre-2020 format. Special features include a two-day Tiki bar-building class, multiple Mai-Kai events, plus more.
HUKILAU 2024 RECAPS
The Hukilau highlights: Photos and memories from 2024 Tiki weekender
Live coverage, photos and video from social media
Inside the Molokai Bar and tour of the Mai-Kai restoration
MORE UPCOMING EVENTS
UPDATES: The Tiki Times: Exclusive events guide
Check the calendar for all of the major happenings around the world, from Tiki weekenders to rum festivals to marketplaces and music fests.
MAI-KAI UPDATES
Mai-Kai grand reopening and ongoing coverage
Latest news, photos and video coverage of the return of the historic landmark in South Florida.
Mai-Kai bar and cocktail news, reviews and exclusive insights
Get official updates and deep details as beverage director Cory Starr resurrects the storied bar program.
Mai-Kai grand reopening: Answers to frequently asked questions
Check out our handy guide featuring all the basics you need to know to plan your next trip to the South Florida landmark.
MORE ON THE MAI-KAI
Paradise Reimagined: Deep Inside the Mai-Kai Restoration
Attendees at Inuhele 2025 in Atlanta enjoyed an exclusive look at the reimagination and revival of the historic restaurant during a special multimedia presentation featuring photos, video and inside tips. Check out slideshow highlights, plus two walk-through videos with creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller.
Mai-Kai timeline, 1956-2024: Iconic restaurant marks 68 years of Polynesian Pop history
As guests celebrate the $20 million restoration and reopening, take a look back at key dates and events over the rich history of the South Florida restaurant.
Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening Guide
Check out all past news, photos, video and deep details on the refurbishment and resurrection of the Polynesian palace.
Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide
Hurricane Hayward reviews and rates the historic restaurant’s current and past tropical drinks, plus reveals a treasure trove of ancestor and exclusive tribute recipes.
THE HUKILAU PAST COVERAGE
2023
The Hukilau highlights: Photos and memories from Tiki weekender
The 21st annual event featured four days of nonstop music, cocktails and education on modern and historic Polynesian Pop at the oceanfront Beachcomber Resort in South Florida.
MORE: The Hukilau 2023 live coverage, photos and video from social media
2022
The Hukilau 2022: Daily recap, photos and video
The 20th Tiki weekender featured four days of live music, educational seminars, cocktails and rum tastings, plus lots more.
• The Mai-Kai’s new owner reveals renovation plans during The Hukilau
PREVIOUS YEARS
• 2021: Daily recap, photos and video | Zombie party is final challenge | Full coverage
• 2020: Virtual events honor The Hukilau, help those in need
• 2019: 10 highlights and photos | Social media recap | Full coverage
• 2018 social media recap | More highlights
• 2017 daily recaps, news, photos and video | More highlights
• More recaps: 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2002-2008